The research techniques and methods discussed are applied to researching advertising, mass-media audiences, mass-media efficiency and organisational and development contexts. The research problems or issues addressed are also relevant to other communication fields, including political, government, marketing, intercultural, health and interpersonal and small-group communication, plus information and communications technology.

This second edition elaborates on the application of additional measurement scales and of content analysis. It contains more practical examples of the application of scientific criteria and it includes additional marginal notes that facilitate the comprehension of key concepts.